Winemaker Social with Greg Graziano

For a few years now we've been pouring the Monte Volpe Primo Rosso, a Mendocino red showcasing Zinfandel, Dolcetto, Carignane, Negromaro and Petite Sirah. This wine retails for just $11 before Cru discount and always blows people away that its so affordable. Especially given it spends two years in oak as well!

Greg loves the grapes of the Piedmont as well as those more well know to American audiences. We'll be pouring a fun flight of his Arneis (yes, an American Arneis!!) for a white, then also his Pinot Meunier, his Barbera and the now famous Primo Rosso. 

So come on out Thursday May 17th from 6-8pm to have a flight of Greg's wine, listen to some live music and visit with one of the most fun characters in the industry today! All wines will be for sale at a discount in the Cellar that night as well!

In 1986, after graduation from UC Davis., Greg became the winemaker for the esteemed La Crema Winery in Sonoma County. At La Crema, Greg quickly became known for his bold and complex styling which put La Crema into the forefront as one of the top Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producers in the industry. These wines were featured at the White House and at the Moscow Summit. In 1988, Greg and his wife Trudi started their own winery, the Graziano Family of Wines. The first two brands were established; Saint Gregory (producing Burgundian-styled wines) and Monte Volpe (specializing in Italian grape varieties from Central and Southern Italty). During the start-up period, Greg also served as a winemaker for Hidden Cellars, where he created the luxurious Sauvignon Blanc “Alchemy”. Now Greg manages his family's acreage in Mendocino, making un-pretentious wines that are remarkable good value across the entire lineup!

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Orchard Wine Cellar Movers and Shakers This Week

  • Sweet Sunset Chocolate Merlot

    #1 Sweet Sunset Chocolate Merlot

    First lets say that this is Not ChocoVine. This wine is actually made with eighty five percent Merlot and than has natural chocolate cream added to the mix. This is the wine for anyone looking for sweet red or the chocolate lover at home. Great gift for the holidays.
    (Holding the #1 spot)

  • Armas de Guerra Rose

    #2 Armas de Guerra Rose

    My heavens! 50+ year old, organic Mencia vines from some of the highest vineyards in Bierzo. Subtle aromas of strawberry, pink grapefruit and white pepper play with clean river rock minerality touched by zesty key lime. Balance and finish are tied together with a vibrating acidity. Structured and executed like a world class ballerina doing flamenco. Sells out every year for good reason. Lighter than Provence, a different planet than White Zin. The only hard part is only opening one bottle at a time. (behind by 1 bottles)

  • Tintero Moscato

    #3 Tintero Moscato

    Sori Gramella refers to the one of the only single vineyard Moscatos, and Marco is the only producer to bottle this striking limestone amphitheater commercially. Once the 30 year old vines give up their bounty, and the grapes are harvested and pressed, they are kept in stainless steel at a low temperature to prevent fermentation until an order is received in order to provide the freshest wine possible. (behind by 13 bottles)

  • Pompette Clementine berry

    #4 Pompette Clementine berry

    (behind by 2 bottles)

Fun New Arrivals

  • A.D. Laws Four Grain Straight Bourbon

    A.D. Laws Four Grain Straight Bourbon

    This four grain whiskey uses a blend of rye, wheat and barley sourced from the Colorado Malting Company, and corn from Briess Malting in Wisconsin - encompassing the "mother grains" of bourbon. The whiskey ages about 3 years, all year round to capture the seasonal nuances from the ever-changing Colorado mountain air, in new, 53 gallon charred oak barrels source from Independent Stave Company.

  • Amon Ra

    Amon Ra

    The 2014 Amon Ra reflects the tried and true essence of the Glaetzer style - generosity of flavor with finesse of structure. The inky purple color displays the gentle but full extraction. The nose shows an abundance of dark blueberry, vanilla, black cherry and hints of cassis with notes of mixed spice and anise. Although still young and firmly wound, the vibrant blackberry and dried spice flavors integrate well with youthful yet supple tannins with the trademark loooong and sleek finish. Meant to go 10 to 15 years to hit its prime.

  • Clos Mazurique

    Clos Mazurique

    Along the Loire river you'll find Saumur. Cab Franc dominates the red plantings and we can see a prime example with this bottle. Perfumed floral aromas, dark cherry, forest floor and mineral. Gorgeous mouthfeel and smooth tannic structure. Bright acidity making this wine an easy drinker.

  • Schieferkopf

    Schieferkopf

    Acid freaks rejoice! This dry Riesling shows the classic stone minerality and petrol on the nose with floral aromatics as well. The palate yields citrus, green apple and stonefruits with mouth watering acidity. A great food wine or one simply just to drink.